Manuel Francis Barcellos, 94, died peacefully and surrounded by family on April 8, 2015.

Born to Portuguese immigrants Joseph and Marie Barcellos on January 27, 1921, Manuel lived his entire life in Yerington, Nevada. A multi-sport athlete, football team captain and John Polish Award winner, Manuel married his Yerington High School sweetheart, Tess McGowan, on April 15, 1945. He never left her side and passed away just days before their 70th anniversary.

Manuel spent many years as a truck driver, hauling freight and provisions during World War II over a treacherous Donner Summit, long before I-80 existed. In the early 1970's, Manuel purchased the Texaco bulk distributorship – now M.F. Barcellos Petroleum – delivering fuel and oil to stations, businesses and ranches throughout western Nevada. In lean years, payments often took the form of eggs, a sheep, farm-raised produce or an I.O.U. --- but Manuel never let a family go without heating oil for lack of means.
Few people could match Manuel's civic commitment. He was a Rotarian for more than 40 years, earning the club's "Quiet Rotarian" award and numerous other distinctions. He served in several positions for the Fraternal Order of Eagles, as a board member for the Lyon County Museum and a pillar for the Holy Family Catholic Church. Manuel was proud of his Portuguese heritage, serving with the U.P.E.C. and spending some four decades as head chef for the annual Portuguese Festa.

Manuel will also be remembered for his love of the outdoors. Big game and upland game hunting, fishing, camping and exploring mountain and desert trails were more than hobbies – they were an essential part of his being a native Nevadan. A lifetime NRA member, Manuel enjoyed shooting and everything to do with firearms. He loved to garden as well, and tomatoes from his back yard were the absolute flavor of summer. Our family and the Yerington community will remember his devotion, loyalty, integrity and modesty. Whether he was dancing with Tess, casting a fishing line, winking at a grandchild, sharpening a knife or expressing a kindness in just the right way, Manuel personified proficiency and grace.

Manuel was preceded in death by his parents and his brothers, Tony and Carl. He is survived by Tess, his sister Rose Carlos, his children Terrance Barcellos (Sharon), Delores Clewe (Press), Nadine Cozzalio (Ernie), Jim Barcellos (Paul Devereux), Leslie Muller (Joel), grandchildren Melissa Barcellos Forburger (Dave), Mitchell Barcellos (Tara), Torrie Cozzalio (Joseph Gorak), Chris Cozzalio, Joseph Muller and Ryan Muller, and seven great-grandchildren (with another on the way). Many provided assistance in Manuel's final days and our family thanks Harvey and Marion Pinkerton, South Lyon Medical Center, Lori Whatley and Renown Regional Medical Center for their helpfulness and care.

A Rosary will be recited for Manuel at Holy Family Catholic Church, 37 N. West Street in Yerington at 10:30 on Tuesday, April 14th, followed by a Funeral Mass at 11:00. Burial will be in the family plot at Valley View Cemetery. A fellowship will follow the graveside service at the Catholic Center.

Family and friends are invited to sign the online guest book at www.FRFH.net.

In lieu of flowers, please send contributions in Manuel's memory to the Lyon County Museum, 215 South Main Street, Yerington, NV 89447.

Arrangements are under the direction of Freitas Rupracht Funeral Home, 25 Hwy 208 Yerington, Nevada 89447 (775) 463-2911.